Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) will introduce healthier Weqaya-approved meal options to its staff restaurants after signing an agreement with The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD).

The
agreement represents a significant commitment by EAG to the wellbeing of its
employees, while contributing to a healthier community in its home of Abu Dhabi.

The
“Weqaya” logo, the official mark of healthy eating in Abu Dhabi, is only
permitted on foods and at food outlets that meet strict requirements on
preparation and ingredients, as governed by HAAD. Weqaya labelling can be
displayed when food items, such as a salad or sandwich, contain less than 750
calories, are low in fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar, and high in fibre,
among other specifications.

Dr.
Nadia Bastaki, Etihad Aviation Group Vice President Medical Services, said: “We
have been working closely with HAAD for many months to understand the Weqaya
requirements and incorporate them into our business so that our staff
restaurants offer food of the highest nutritional quality and employees can
quickly identify what choices are best for their health.”

Speaking
at SIAL Middle East 2016 in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Bastaki added: “This is a major
undertaking by EAG and demonstrates our commitment to a healthier workforce and
to the reduction of health conditions in the community linked to a poor diet.
We would like to thank HAAD for their guidance and support.”

Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Director of Public Health and
Research at HAAD, said: “HAAD is ramping up its efforts to fulfil its vision
for “a healthier Abu Dhabi” by promoting a healthy food culture in our community
and ultimately increasing demand for it. In parallel to its awareness-raising
efforts to increase demand, HAAD is also ensuring the availability of healthy
food options across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and making them easier to identify through the “Weqaya” logo. We will continue to stress
that besides regular physical activity, healthy eating habits are a critical
component of leading a healthier lifestyle.”

Etihad Aviation Group, in collaboration with HAAD,
held training sessions for Etihad food handlers on how to prepare healthy food,
according to Weqaya food specifications. So far, more than 50 chefs and food
and beverage staff have gone through special training ahead of EAG’s launch of
nine Weqaya menu options across six staff restaurants this month.

Dr. Al Hajeri added: “Our collaboration with EAG
today, is an important milestone in promoting the Weqaya Nutrition Programme,
and encouraging its adoption across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We will continue
to work diligently with all our partners in both the public and private sector to
ensure a smooth implementation and adoption of healthy food specifications at
food supply companies, cafes, restaurants and market stores.”

The Weqaya Nutrition Programme was launched in
September 2013 to raise awareness about healthy food items available at food
outlets in the Emirate, while encouraging outlets to increase their healthy
offerings. HAAD collaborated with the Quality Conformity Council (QCC) and Abu
Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) to update the standards. The programme
will help contribute to the effective reduction of risk factors associated with
major non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood
pressure.